Source:  News Release/Sharon Robb for PMG Inc.

Record Number Of Teams To Compete In Fourth Annual International Gay Polo Tournament

WELLINGTON, FL -  - The fourth annual International Gay Polo Tournament has attracted a record six teams for the first time in tournament history.

Four teams will compete in the first bracket of play for top level players and two teams of developmental players will compete in a newly-created second bracket in the April 12-13 event hosted by Grand Champions Polo Club.

Jack Hoffmann, Tom Landry and Jean-Marc Herrouin

Gordon W. Ross Team/ReMax, Polo Gear USA and Cedar Crest Stables return as Platinum Sponsors for the first bracket of teams.

Sun Trust Bank, one of the tournament's new sponsors, will sponsor one of the second bracket teams.

"I am both excited and appreciative that we have new corporate involvement and returning sponsors," said Chip McKenney, founder and Executive Director of the Gay Polo League and member of last year's winning team.

Each team will be comprised of three Gay Polo League players and one high goal professional.

It will be the fourth consecutive year that high goal polo players and padrones Marc and Melissa Ganzi have hosted the event which is growing in popularity at the local, national and international levels.

Players will travel from around the world to compete for the coveted Senator Cup Trophy for the championship game winners and Founders Cup for the consolation match winner.

"Every year we hope to add more teams so it's exciting to have six teams this year," said McKenney.

"I am very excited we are going to have six teams and adding a second bracket. It's a wonderful opportunity for the tournament to grow in skill level and develop more players."

On Friday, April 12th two upper bracket four-chukker games will be held

to determine the seeding among the four teams for Saturday's consolation and championship games at 1 and 3 p.m. Also on Friday, second bracket teams will compete in a two-chukker final.

"For the less experienced tournament players, the second bracket is the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of competing under full tournament conditions and rules at a pace suitable to ensure a safe fun time," McKenney said.

Trophies will be presented to the second bracket teams during Saturday's trophy presentation ceremonies on the main field.

The Gay Polo League, created in 2006, is an international organization and only known gay polo league in the world. Currently, the GPL's established four U.S. chapters are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Wellington.

GPL members include players from several foreign countries such as France, England, Argentina, South Africa, Canada and Australia.

"It's exciting to see how many people are embracing this event and incorporating it in their own social calendars," McKenney said. "Four years into it we have improved returning players who come and play with a great deal of competitiveness while enjoying the camaraderie."

Tournament winning team of Gamma Mu before the game Chip McKenney Juan Bollini Christine Vermes and Jack Hoffman

Fourth Annual International Gay Polo Tournament Fast Facts

Where: Grand Champions Polo Club

On the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road

When: Saturday, April 13, 2013

Time: Polo Matches start at 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Gates open at noon

Tickets: General Admission $25, also available at the gate 

Tailgate Price: $225, includes eight tickets and one field side parking place

VIP Tables: $1,000 includes seating for eight center field, four beverage tickets for each, gourmet food ticket for each, tableside service, including hors d'oeuvres, throughout the polo matches

Kick-Off Party: Friday, April 12, International Polo Club Pavilion, 3667 120th Ave. S., Wellington, FL Start Time: 6:30 p.m. (food, dancing and auction).

For Tickets: (561) 753-3389 or go to http://www.gaypolo.com/the-event/ 

For Tailgates and VIP Tables: Call (561) 753-3389

Barnmice News story brought to you by: RS-tor: Horse Rider Safety Device

RS-tor helps riders stay safer in the saddle